Monday, December 29, 2008

One of my editors happens to be my mother. When I originally asked her to proof read something for me, she hesitated; in fact, she didn’t want to leave her house to proof read for me. After much coaxing and bribery, she did. What an experience that was. For more than five hours she sat at my computer smiling, laughing and crying while looking over (and answering) the questions in our Blisstory Journal. For days afterward, she would call to share another detail she remembered from her childhood.

I realized how little I really knew about her. In fact, what do we really know about anyone, including ourselves? Don’t answer that just yet. Take a look at the person closest to you. Do you know what his/her favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon is? Do you know if they’ve ever built a snow man? Do you know what famous person they’d like to take to lunch? Do you know the top ten things on their “Bliss List?”

My mom shared a story about going out for an ice cream. On a weekly basis, she would ask her own mother if they could all go to the ice cream store. Her mom would say, “Sure, if your dad doesn’t mind.” She would then go tell her father that her mom wanted to go for an ice cream and off they would go. Wow! Do you think my grandparents ever caught on? I’m guessing they both cherished the moments!

As for me, I played softball every summer for as long as I can remember. After every game, win or lose, my coach (my dad) would take the team for ice cream. That was more of a highlight for me than playing the game. Everyone would gather around with their cones and listen to the pep talk the coach would give about the team; ending with a positive note on how we’d get ‘em next time! No matter how good or bad we played, those moments made everything seem “ok”.

Ask the person sitting in the room with you, “Where’d you go for ice cream when you were a kid?” Don’t stop at that; ask them what their favorite invention is. The answers may surprise you!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

A Sweetheart’s Gesture of LoveBecomes a New Book with a Journey for EveryoneFerndale, MI -- What started out as a Christmas gift from her sweetheart has blossomed into a new book, “The Blisstory Journal” which has become an instant hit for the holiday gift giving season. In 2005 Teri Williams was given a jar of questions, a journal and a pen by her husband Jeff who asked her to share her thoughts and experiences with him. On Sweetest Day, she gave him the gift of herself, that journal filled with memories and ideas prompted from the interesting questions he had given her. Friends and neighbors saw the journal and wanted one. “Blisstory” was born.

“The Blisstory Journal” has room to write in the answers to 365 diverse questions from “What magazines did you have around the house growing up?” and “When you wake in the morning, what is the first thought that usually crosses your mind?” to “Describe a scent that brings you back to your childhood” and “List the content of your purse or wallet” with the last page, “What does bliss mean to you?”

“It's really a gift of love and learning; what I learn about the people that answer the questions is beyond anything I hear over a cup of coffee,” said Teri. “The questions actually encourage people to share themselves, good, bad or indifferent. My friend Alice shared an incredible life changing memory from her childhood that had me in tears. It’s a great tool for the beginnings of a memoir or a living legacy for our children.”

The response has been overwhelming and people are finding different ways of using the book, including turning it into a game when family comes to visit. A children’s edition is in the works.

This insightful, revealing and very affordable book is a perfect holiday gift for the person who has everything or is out of town. “The Blisstory Journal” is $13 each or 10 for $100, including shipping anywhere in the continental United States and can be ordered at theblissnetwork.com.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Whoever said the only thing in life we can count on is change didn’t mean loose change, at least not in my household! Yesterday we had Friday night football at two different high schools and I forgot to go to the bank. (They don’t take your debit card or a check at the football field!) As if on a scavenger hunt, I dug through laundry, winter coats and the backseat of my car and found 10 cents short of what I actually needed. Thank God for pennies! While going through everything, I found a few items I needed for the game; a blanket, a pad and gloves. Fortunately, it was a beautiful night and the gloves are still tucked away in my jacket until next week.

This will be my last season of football games, cheerleading events and school parties. I thought that my emotions were riding high due to the fact that my son recently joined the military. Well, he’s home and I still cried at the end of the game. I’m really going to miss these nights of bonding with the community and yelling with the cheer leaders, encouraging the boys to victory. I’m filling every minute of baking and planning, with sheer “Bliss”; making the most of this year. Change is a good thing! Yee Haaa….the final scores, 54 to 0 and 46 to 6. GO TROJANS, GO KNIGHTS!

Saturday, September 20, 2008

For the past two years, I've had the great pleasure of being involved with One of Us Films Carrie LeZotte and Lora Probert as they bring Lunafest to Metro Detroit. Filled with stories of reflection and whimsy, hope and humor, grace and perseverance, LUNAFEST films are renowned for celebrating the talents and stories of women. Not to mention that 100% of all the proceeds go to support worthy causes. It's a great way to share a little 'sisterhood' and see incredible films created by women all over the world.

'LUNAFESTwas established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, to simultaneously promote women filmmakers, raise awareness for women’s issues, and support worthy women’s nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada.LUNAFEST is completely funded by LUNA and run by a small, dedicated group of LUNA employees. 100 percent of all proceeds are donated to charity – 15 percent to the Breast Cancer Fund and the remaining 85 percent of proceeds go directly back to hosting community organizations.

Over the years, as LUNAFEST has grown from a single annual event to more than 140 festivals each season, LUNA’s commitment to this worthwhile program has grown as well. We are continually inspired by the individual and collective efforts of women – and we are awed by the results. To date, LUNAFEST has raised ver $250,000 for worthwhile women’s organizations, while raising hope and awareness for the stories of women everywhere.

This year, for those that wish to support Lunafest and One Of Us Films, they are pulling together an additional insert to the program. For $50.00 you can sponsor a business card size ad on the insert and receive a complimentary VIP ticket to the event being held on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at the Emagine Theatre, in Novi. The VIP Reception starts at 6:00 pm and ShowTime is at 7 PM. What a great opportunity to offer a group of women a discount or special offer, knowing that you are supporting worthy causes.

For more information and to resrve your spce on the insert, please contact:

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Until recently, I never really thought too much about that statement. I'd like to hear the people of Michigan start saying, "Pretty good shape for the shape we're in". A cheerful continence, a bliss-full attitude, has everything to do with the way we grow, prosper, live.

I challenge each and every one of you to make, "Pretty good shape for the shape I'm in" your morning mantra for 21 days. Statistics show that's how long it takes for a habit to form. I can almost guarantee that when you repeat that several times a day, your life will become significantly more "bliss-full".

Friday, September 12, 2008

Today I met with Judy Davids of the Mydols and author of Rock Star Mommy...... Talk about an incredible person, woman, MOMMY! Judy is author, guitarist, singer, mom extraordinaire. She created our logo and is assisting in the development of our site. Rock on, Judy, and thanks for sharing your dreams and helping me live mine!

Let me share a little about her book, Rock Star Mommy. Judy is a "real-life" mom who picked up a guitar one day and decided it was time to live her dream. She shares her family, her friends and her dreams with us in a way that we can all relate to. You may not have a vision of becoming a rock and roll star, but whatever your vision is, you'll be inspired to live that dream after reading Rock Star Mommy. Blissfully yours!!!

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The Bliss Lady

Around town they call me The Bliss Lady! I am a creator...of Bliss! How do I do that? How do I keep it all going? I have a Blissness Plan and The Blisstory Journal. I live them every day and answer my own Blisstory Journal questions here, on my blog. I would love to hear and see the answers to yours!
Each minute provides an opportunity to "awaken"; something to see, something to hear, something to learn, something to love~ Choose Bliss!